John Gabriel Parisi, age 89, passed away at Christiana Hospital on Thursday, December 6, 2018, with his wife, the love of his life, by his side.
John was born and raised in Wilmington. He was the son of the late Joseph and Maria (D’Amico) Parisi. He attended Brown VoTech School. He served in the US Army for 5 years and the Army Reserve for 25 years. He worked as an Electronics Technician for the United States Post Office.
He married Marie (Colicchio) Parisi in 1954, and together they raised four children.
On May 30, 1980, after years of study and discernment, John was ordained Permanent Deacon by the Most Reverend Thomas J. Mardaga at St. Paul Church. He was a devoted and faithful deacon at Corpus Christi Parish from the time of his ordination until 2009, when he retired from active ministry. In addition to his ministry at Corpus Christi, John was a longtime volunteer at the Diocesan Archives Office, and he was a member of the 3rd order of Saint Francis.
In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his sister, Frances Veneri. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Marie; his sons, John Paul and Thomas Parisi (Cindy); his daughters, Mary Agnes Citro (David) and Susan Wilson (Kevin); 8 grandchildren, Mark Wilkinson, Julie Lemon, Jennifer Parisi, Claire Haja, David Citro, Jr., Elizabeth Wilson, Alessandra Citro, and Kevin Wilson, Jr.; 4 great-grandchildren, McKenzie, Tripp, Jonah, and Naomi; and his sister, Rose Piccirrilli.
Relatives and friends are invited to the Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday, December 11, at 12 noon at Corpus Christi R.C. Church, 901 New Road, Elsmere. A viewing will take place at the church on Tuesday morning from 10:00-11:30 am. Burial will be in All Saints Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Corpus Christi R.C. Church, 901 New Road, Wilmington, DE 19805 or Howard Weston Adult Daycare Center, One Bassett Avenue, New Castle, DE 19720.
